Grounds Testing

The Plate Bearing Test, also commonly referred to as the Plate Load Test or Plate Loading Test, is an essential in-situ ground investigation method used within the construction, civil engineering, lifting and groundwork industries. The test involves applying a controlled load to a steel bearing plate positioned on the ground surface in order to assess the ground’s strength, stability and load-bearing performance. It is widely used to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of the ground, measure ground settlement, calculate the modulus of subgrade reaction, and establish the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) for working platforms and temporary structures.

At Sherrington Lifting Services, we provide professional Plate Bearing Tests nationwide in accordance with BS1377: Part 9: 1990 – Soils for Civil Engineering Purposes. Our experienced team delivers a fast, reliable and competitively priced testing service with rapid mobilisation and quick turnaround reporting to keep construction projects running efficiently and safely.

Plate Bearing Tests play a critical role in ensuring the safety and integrity of crane working platforms, crane outrigger pads, piling mats, temporary roads, haul roads, and temporary works platforms. Before heavy plant machinery, mobile cranes, piling rigs or specialist lifting equipment can safely operate on site, the ground must be proven capable of supporting the applied loads without excessive settlement or failure. Carrying out a Plate Bearing Test helps reduce the risk of ground instability, equipment overturning and costly project delays.

The test is normally carried out on either the existing ground surface or a specially prepared working platform. Prior to testing, the area should be properly constructed, compacted and levelled to ensure accurate results. A thin layer of sand is then placed beneath the test plate to eliminate minor surface voids and provide even contact between the steel plate and the ground.

A circular steel plate, typically ranging between 300mm and 600mm in diameter, is positioned at the test location. The plate size is selected based on the expected loading requirements of the crane, piling rig, outrigger loads or temporary structure. Using a hydraulic jack and cylinder system beneath a suitably sized tracked excavator, a controlled load is gradually applied to the plate in predetermined increments. These loading stages are carefully monitored and calculated in relation to the anticipated working pressure, usually measured in kilopascals (kPa).

As the load increases, highly accurate settlement readings are recorded at each stage to measure the behaviour of the ground under pressure. The test continues until the required design pressure has been achieved or until signs of ground failure occur. The collected data is then analysed to determine whether the ground conditions are suitable for the proposed operation and to confirm compliance with project specifications and safety requirements.

Sherrington Lifting Services can typically complete between four and eight Plate Bearing Tests per day, depending on site conditions and loading requirements. We work across a wide range of sectors including construction, infrastructure, utilities, heavy lifting, piling and civil engineering projects, providing dependable ground testing services throughout the UK.

Our comprehensive Plate Bearing Test service helps clients maintain compliance, improve site safety and ensure that crane operations, piling works and temporary structures are supported by stable and properly assessed ground conditions. With experienced engineers, fast response times and nationwide coverage, Sherrington Lifting Services is trusted to deliver accurate testing solutions for projects of all sizes.